In the March issue of The Atlantic, Olga Khazan investigates the future of birth control, from remote-controlled implants to a pill for men. The use of contraceptives dates all the way back to 1850 B.C., when women in ancient Egypt used honey, acacia leaves, and lint to block sperm. This two-minute animation traces the history of contraception through the centuries, from sea sponges (500 B.C.), linen sheath condoms (1564), lemon cervical caps (1700), and the "rhythm method" (1920) to modern advancements such as vaginal rings, hormone injections, IUDs, and patches.

After lengthy fiscal fights that were representative of the most
unproductive Congressional session on record, President Obama has signed
a $1.1 trillion federal spending package that Congress was able to
approve in the final days of the 113th Congress.

Same-Sex Marriage Update: 6th Circuit Ruling Creates Split in Federal Circuits and Likely to Result in Supreme Court Action in the 2014-2015 Term http://www.sixthcircuitappellateblog.com/files/2014/11/Sixth-Circuit-Gay-Marriage-Opinion-14a0275p-06.pdf

For the first time, using the latest in video technology, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) hosted a live online Journal Club during its 2014 meeting -- and connected its live medical conference, in real time, with a worldwide community of specialists from 12 international medical societies.

For the first time, using the latest in video technology, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) hosted a live online Journal Club during its 2014 meeting -- and connected its live medical conference, in real time, with a worldwide community of specialists from 12 international medical societies.

In March of this year, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) hosted a scientific research workshop on disorders of sex development (DSD). The NICHD sponsored or co-sponsored previous workshops addressing DSD issues, however, this was the first workshop that focused exclusively on developmental issues and the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Alan E. Guttmacher, M.D., Director, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, wrote in an announcement, “After a rigorous, national search that attracted an impressive array of outstanding candidates, I am extremely pleased to announce that Catherine Y. Spong, M.D. has been selected as the Deputy Director of NICHD. Cathy brings extensive and impressive experience in both our intramural and extramural programs to the position, along with intelligence, interpersonal skills, and visionary leadership that have won her a high level of respect in our research communities.

The Sunshine Act, enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, requires that drug and medical devices manufacturers report annually to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) all payments and other transfers of value made to physicians. Due to various problems and inaccuracies associated with the reporting system, the CMS has recently confirmed that it will withhold until June 2015 about one-third of the submitted records on drug and device industry payments to physicians and teaching hospitals. Despite the issues, CMS intends to keep to its plan to make the website accessible to the general public beginning Sept. 30, 2014 and has extended the review period for doctors and teaching hospitals to Sept. 8, 2014.